As we at SuperYachtsMonaco take this opportunity to wish our readers a very happy New Year, attention across the industry naturally turns to what lies ahead. After several years marked by pronounced market shifts, evolving buyer behaviour and broader global uncertainty, the 2026 superyacht sales forecast points to a more selective, value-driven environment, one where discretion, clarity and long-term thinking increasingly outweigh scale and visibility.
Drawing on transactional activity, buyer engagement, shipyard intelligence and newly released industry data, we outline the key forces shaping the 2026 superyacht sales forecast. These include a recalibrated order book, changing buyer priorities, shipyard momentum, regional dynamics and the strategic considerations facing both buyers and sellers in the year ahead.
2026 Superyacht Sales Forecast: a Market Moving Beyond Headlines
In recent years, public narratives around superyacht sales leadership have often been shaped by highly publicised transactions announced by a small number of large brokerage houses. While such deals generate attention, headline value alone rarely reflects the depth of advisory work, structuring or execution behind a successful sale.
“As the market heads into 2026, focus is shifting decisively away from spectacle and toward alignment. Buyers are increasingly sophisticated, better informed and more deliberate. Sellers, meanwhile, are recognising that successful outcomes depend less on market timing and more on preparation, pricing discipline and professional representation.
This environment favours brokers and advisors who operate with continuity, discretion and a genuine understanding of individual client objectives, rather than transactional volume alone”.
Jim Evans – CEO of SuperYachtsMonaco
A “Normalised” Market, But Bigger Yachts Than Ever
“The release of the 2026 Global Order Book by BOAT International Media provides valuable confirmation of our 2026 superyacht sales forecast. While headlines may focus on a modest reduction in the total number of newbuilds on order, the more meaningful insight lies in the underlying data.
The extraordinary sales volumes of 2021 and 2022 are now firmly in the past. The market has corrected to a more sustainable, “normal” rhythm characterised by lower volume but significantly larger yachts.
There are currently 1,093 yachts over 24 metres in build or on order, fewer than in 2024, yet:
- Total volume is up
- Average yacht size has increased to 40.8 metres / 551 GT
- Owners are upgrading, not downsizing
- The 35–50 metre segment is now the primary market driver
- Italy is the world’s leading build nation, accounting for approximately 50% of all newbuilds over 24 metres
This trend reflects both buyer preference and structural constraints. With most reputable shipyards now unable to deliver a new build before 2028 at the earliest, limited near-term availability has suppressed new sales volumes that would likely have been considerably higher had delivery slots been available within the traditional 12–18 month timeframe”.
Steen Christensen – Broker at SuperYachtsMonaco
Shipyards Showing Momentum In 2026
Northern European builders such as Feadship, Lürssen and Amels continue to dominate the fully custom segment, underpinned by buyer confidence in pedigree, engineering excellence and long-term asset value.
At the same time, Italian yards, including Azimut-Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Rossinavi and Tankoa, are seeing sustained demand in the 35–80 metre range. This shift, central to the 2026 superyacht sales forecast, reflects buyer preference for proven platforms, efficient build timelines, advanced technology and competitive pricing relative to fully custom Northern European builds.
Industry-wide, shipyards are steadily reallocating capacity away from the 24–30 metre segment toward larger semi-custom and custom yachts.
The Megayacht Sector: Structural Strength at the Top End
At the very top of the market, momentum remains striking.
The current order book shows:
- 67 yachts over 76 metres in build, compared to just 18 in 2006
- 26 yachts over 100 metres
- 49 shipyards achieving new size records
Despite unstable geopolitics and often incoherent macroeconomic signals, the megayacht sector continues to progress at a steady pace, a resilience that underpins the 2026 superyacht sales forecast and reflects the long-term horizons and low short-term volatility sensitivity of ultra-high-net-worth buyers.
Seasonal Dynamics and Regional Sales Activity
Seasonality remains a defining characteristic of the 2026 superyacht sales forecast. Transactional activity continues to track closely with global cruising patterns.
The Mediterranean sees heightened sales momentum ahead of the summer season, while winter months drive activity in the Caribbean and the United States. Yacht shows in these regions remain key catalysts for buyer engagement, even as off-market transactions increase in importance.
In 2026, the Western Mediterranean is expected to retain its position as the most active global sales market. Interest in the Eastern Mediterranean is steadily growing, while the Caribbean, Florida and select Middle Eastern hubs continue to demonstrate resilience and depth of demand.
Where to Find Yachts Featuring the Newest Innovations
Public listing platforms and brokerage websites offer useful market snapshots, but many of the most advanced design, engineering and lifestyle features debut on yachts that are discreetly marketed or still in late-stage construction.
Access now matters more than visibility, a dynamic that sits at the heart of the 2026 superyacht sales forecast. Early insight typically comes through established relationships with shipyards, designers and technical teams rather than public portals.
Key innovation themes shaping buyer demand include:
- Hybrid and alternative propulsion systems
- Advanced noise and vibration reduction
- Expanded wellness areas and sea-level beach clubs
- Flexible, multi-generational owner layouts
- Increased integration of smart onboard systems
The advisory role lies in distinguishing innovations that enhance long-term value from those driven by short-lived trends.
Is 2026 a Good Time to Sell a Superyacht?
In many cases, the answer is yes, 2026 is a good time to sell a superyacht, provided the sale is strategically positioned, a view reinforced by the 2026 superyacht sales forecast.
Despite broader geopolitical and economic uncertainty, the United States remains the strongest global yachting market, supported by continued growth in ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Demand persists for well-specified, realistically priced yachts offering modern design, proven build quality and immediate availability.
“The market rewards preparation, not speculation,” Evans says. Owners who engage early, invest in professional presentation and price realistically are best placed to achieve successful outcomes.
Superyachts Currently Drawing Market Attention in 2026
Several notable yachts currently on the market illustrate how the 2026 superyacht sales forecast is translating into buyer demand.
KING POWER
A modern large-volume yacht reflecting the continued appeal of proven Northern European engineering combined with contemporary onboard lifestyle expectations.
PELORUS
One of the most iconic yachts of its generation, Pelorus continues to attract attention as buyers reassess pedigree assets with strong refit potential and enduring design credibility.
CAIPIRINHA
A yacht aligned with the growing preference for versatile layouts and efficient cruising profiles, appealing to owners seeking both private and charter flexibility.
I DYNASTY
One of the first superyachts fully certified to PYC standards, setting a new benchmark in innovation. Designed for long-range she is exceptionally well-suited for global cruising in full luxury and safety
SEXY ME
Representative of the sustained strength of Italian-built yachts in the mid-size superyacht segment, combining design-led interiors with accessible ownership profiles.
Together, these yachts reflect a market dynamic at the core of the 2026 superyacht sales forecast, where heritage, adaptability and technical relevance increasingly shape buyer interest.
2026 Superyacht Sales Forecast : Final Thoughts
The 2026 superyacht sales forecast is neither overheated nor retreating, it is becoming more discerning. As market dynamics continue to evolve, success in 2026 will be defined not by visibility alone, but by clarity, experience and strategic positioning.
This evolution mirrors broader luxury market dynamics. According to Forbes, 2025 marked a tectonic shift as ultra-high-net-worth individuals reduced spending on traditional luxury goods while increasing expenditure on exclusive travel, exceptional experiences, private aviation and yachts, the latter two leading with an 11% increase. The global luxury market is expected to reach €1.4 trillion in 2025 (Bain & Company).
Buyers are taking longer-term views, owners are becoming more strategic, and shipyards are adapting to evolving expectations around efficiency, sustainability and flexibility of use. In this environment, informed guidance and nuanced market understanding are more valuable than ever.
The 2026 superyacht sales forecast informs SuperYachtsMonaco‘s highly personalised advisory approach, enabling us to support buyers with clarity and discretion while ensuring each transaction is aligned with their individual needs, expectations and long-term objectives.
